It’s a tall task to try to whittle Gene Hackman’s career down to five notable films. One of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Hackman’s career spanned more than 40 years and a variety of roles, from tough-guy parts to comedic turns,

Hackman, a prolific Oscar-winning actor, was found dead along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Los Angeles home.

- Actor Gene Hackman, winner of Best Supporting Actor at academy awards in March 1993. Hackman will turn 80 years on Jan. 30, 2010. (AP Photo, File) LOS ANGELES — Gene Hackman, the two-time Oscar-winning actor,

Hackman portrays a retired football player in Los Angeles. In his new job as a private investigator, he finds that his wife is having an affair.

Actors Christopher Reeve, left, and co-star Gene Hackman arrive at the premiere of the movie "Superman" in Los Angeles, Ca., on Dec. 15, 1978. (AP Photo/, File)

It’s a tall task to try to whittle Gene Hackman’s career down to five notable films. One of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Hackman’s career spanned more than 40 years and a variety of roles, from tough-guy parts to comedic turns,

One of the 20th century's greatest actors, Hackman's career spanned more than 40 years and a variety of roles.

Outlets including TMZ and Fox News have obtained audio of the emotional 911 call made by the unnamed maintenance worker who discovered the bodies of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Santa Fe,

Gene Hackman, a Hollywood giant and two-time Oscar winner, was found dead along with his wife and dog in their New Mexico home Wednesday, though investigators believe they may have been dead for some time and the cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Los Angeles — Gene Hackman, the prolific Oscar-winning actor whose studied portraits ranged from reluctant heroes to conniving villains and made him one of the industry’s most respected and honored performers, has been found dead along with his wife at their home. He was 95.

One of the greatest American actors of the 20th century was voted “least likely to succeed” by his first theater school, wasn’t a star until he was 40 and possessed a face he once described as “your everyday mineworker.

The star of “The French Connection” took the leap into acting at the Pasadena Playhouse, launching a five-decade career.